Many of you have contacted me this past week in regard to the new funding mechanism for education HB 1182. While a vote was postponed from Wednesday due to a procedure called rule 5-17, it is important to understand that we had eight amendments covering 18 pages introduced just prior to taking our seats on the House floor. HB 1182 was moved to the top of the agenda, and we didn’t have time to read them, let alone understand their consequences. The amendments did a variety of things, from removing the emergency clause, to adding a teacher merit pay system, and adding money to the four technical schools for teacher pay.
While the process has been difficult and not well understood, we are trying to ensure thoughtful discussion on this very important topic to many people.
Please be patient. I appreciate those of you whom have been diplomatic and thoughtful. That has been a beacon of hope for us as legislators.
Contact me at rep.heinemann@state.sd.us, or you can call the house floor phone at 605-773-3851.